Mycobacterium leprae-helminth co-infections and vitamin D deficiency as potential risk factors for leprosy: A case-control study in south-eastern Brazil.
Int J Infect Dis
; 105: 261-266, 2021 Apr.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-33592342
BACKGROUND: Evidence suggests that biological mechanisms involved in helminth infections and vitamin deficiencies increase susceptibility to other infections. The aim of this study was to investigate the associations of helminth co-infection and select micronutrient deficiencies with leprosy using a case-control design. METHODS: From 2016 to 2018, individuals aged ≥3 years were recruited at clinics in and around Governador Valadares, Minas Gerais, Brazil in three groups: cases of leprosy, household contacts and community-matched (non-contact) controls. Helminths were diagnosed through stool Kato Katz examination and serum reactivity to anti-soluble adult worm antigen preparation IgG4. Serum ferritin, 25-OH vitamin D and retinol concentrations were measured. Multi-variate logistic regression was conducted to identify associations with active leprosy. RESULTS: Seventy-nine cases of leprosy, 96 household contacts and 81 non-contact controls were recruited; 48.1% of participants were male with a median age of 40 years. Helminths were found in 7.1% of participants on Kato Katz test, all but one of which were Schistosoma mansoni, and 32.3% of participants were positive for S. mansoni serology. On multi-variate analysis, cases were more likely to be infected with helminths (diagnosed by stool) than household contacts [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 8.69, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.50-50.51]. Vitamin D deficiency was common, and was more likely in cases compared with non-contact controls (aOR 4.66, 95% CI 1.42,-15.33). Iron deficiency was not associated with leprosy, and vitamin A deficiency was not detected. CONCLUSION: These associations suggest that the immune consequences of schistosomiasis and vitamin D deficiency may increase the risk of active leprosy. Comorbid conditions of poverty deserve further study as addressing co-infections and nutritional deficiencies could be incorporated into programmes to improve leprosy control.
Palavras-chave
Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Deficiência de Vitamina D
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Coinfecção
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Helmintos
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Hanseníase
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Mycobacterium leprae
Tipo de estudo:
Etiology_studies
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Observational_studies
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Prognostic_studies
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Risk_factors_studies
Limite:
Adolescent
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Adult
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Aged
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Animals
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Child
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Child, preschool
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Female
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Humans
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Male
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Middle aged
País/Região como assunto:
America do sul
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Brasil
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Int J Infect Dis
Assunto da revista:
DOENCAS TRANSMISSIVEIS
Ano de publicação:
2021
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
Estados Unidos
País de publicação:
Canadá